Hi

I am able to put myself into a trance relatively easily using a number of trance inductions for self hypnosis (Betty Erickson induction and drug of choice are my favourite to use for this, and sometimes use other trance deepening techniques like changing the critical submodalities), and I can get into a somewhat light trance.

However, I would appreciate help with two issues. Firstly, is there any special way one is supposed to give oneself suggestions in this state, I have been unable to induce things like anaesthesia. Or is it just that I am not in 'deep enough'.

This relates to my second question - How can one deepen the trance enough through self hypnosis to be able to do such hypnotic phenomena such as positive and negative halucinations, time distortion, anaesthesia and build machines in your head as one does in DHE.

Thanks a lot for your help.

These are THE TWO challenges in self-hypnosis, and I wish more people would address them! I have found some solutions that work well for me, and I've been teaching them to clients with a fair degree of success. So let me offer my take, and hopefully you will be able to either get great results, or use it a launch pad for your own solutions to these problems.
First, for delivering suggestions in self-hypnosis -- the setting of intention before the trance is very helpful, but better results seem to come when you can reinforce it in the session. Unless you make a recording and listen to it in trance, you can't do too many suggestions. Get the 3 most potent and pertinent ones, and make them no more than about 15 syllables each. Then memorize them to where you can recite them exactly with your eyes closed. Then think of a "scene" of imagery that goes with each one... Imagine the scene in as much sensory detail as you can, visual, auditory, kinesthetic, while you repeat the suggestion to yourself in your mind. Link the words with the image in your thoughts. Then, when you go into your trance session, you can use the imagery to help activate the suggestions, since the imagery will probably come easier to your mind in trance than the words will. You can use a counting device to repeat the suggestions a number of times (like a mala, rosary, or just a string with knots in it that you can gently move over your fingers, one bead or knot for each repetition of suggestion)

As far as deepening the trance, sequential imagery is the easiest way, but of course easier for primary visual processors. If you are primary A or K, then you can still use imagery, but focus on sounds or sensations. Anything sequential works well... walking down stairs, riding down an elevator, going into a cave, floating down a river (I like going "down" - some people prefer up...) walking along a path somewhere lovely, or else imagine something like a snowman melting (as you count down is great too!) anything progressive to lead the mind into the inner experience.

Also, the Dave Elman technique of repeated eye closure deepens self-hypnosis too, I have found... simply tell yourself that in a moment your eyes will open gently all on their own, and as soon as they do, they'll drop closed again (as you think to yourself "sleep now") and the moment your eyes close, your relaxation will double, you will go much deeper than before... repeat this a few times, going deeper and deeper each time.

Other points... for hypno-anaesthesia, you really do need to be in a fairly deep trance it seems (though I have seen counter-examples to this, so I know it is possible to get anaesthesia in light trance). For that too, use imagery! An icy cold numbing solution that you can soak into your hand and then apply wherever you need it, is a good one... or a big switch that turns off the neuro-electrical energy from the nerves in the_____ (arm, leg etc) also even simple dissociation really helps (go someplace else... away from where the discomfort is happening.. be on the beach instead!)

But if you go very deeply into trance, you will have to set something to get your attention on the work you want to do... program yourself going in that when you are deep in trance, you will suddenly remember your suggestions and repeat them to yourself as above...

A good practice is going as deep as you can as fast as you can, then coming out quickly, then going back in, etc. Gets the mind familiar with moving through different states and maintaining a focus (helps with lucid dreaming too!)

Hope this is helpful, and would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks for the great reply. Hadn't tried much use of imagery, just the changing submodalities of the picture of yourself going into trance, so will try out all your suggestions and tell you how they worked out in a day or two.